PLACERVILLE, CA MAY 17, 2010: The Maxxis W.E. Rock Eastern US National Series season opens this weekend May 22nd and 23rd at the Rausch Creek Off-Road Park in Pennsylvania. Over 45 east coast rock crawling competitors will compete on courses combined of natural and man made terrain that includes a 20 ft vertical climb call the “Hands Climb.”

“The unique part of this course is it is a combination of natural terrain with man made obstacles,” said Rich Klein, W.E. Rock Promoter. “The traction differences between the two offer a huge challenge for the teams, they can’t really dial in their rig for one or the other.” The biggest obstacle of this event will be the Hands Climb, which is a 20ft vertical wall that the driver has to climb starting out of a bowl with no running start. Rausch Creek Owner Bruce Shallis commented, “Shannon Campbell is the only driver to ever make the climb, but even he was penalized for hitting a cone.” As if the difference in traction and huge climbs wasn’t enough of a challenge, drivers may also face the Pennsylvania scattered rain showers, which can quickly change the course and slickness of the rock.

The 2009 season had some exciting competition that is sure to heat up again in 2010, pushing drivers to do insane maneuvers that you never thought was possible. Unlimited Champion Carl Shortridge will be back in his Trail Gear buggy to defend his 2009 win against Alex Vonn and father and son competitors Bill and Chicky Barton.

Fighting it out in the Pro Modified Class will be East Coast seasoned W.E Rock vet Ken Blume against Derek West who placed 2nd in last years series, and has a recent win at the Rausch Creek King of the Hammers Qualifier just weeks earlier. Maxxis driver Danny Rohrer will also be putting tread down to get to the finishers podium.

In the Modified Stock Class, 2007 and 2008 defending champion Kurt Shramovich, who did not run last years series, will be back this year to try and take back the championship from 2009 champion Jon Terhune. Ricky Artes is sure to be right in the mix of all the action.

This weekend’s competition will begin at 10am on Saturday May 22nd and Sunday May 23rd at the Rausch Creek Off-Road Park in Tremont, PA. The adult pass is $10 a day and children under age 10 are free. The trails will be open in the park during the weekend races. The competition area is located directly behind the offices and is easily accessible for viewing. W.E. Rock is a great family friendly event to bring the kids to and get them interested in rock crawling and off roading.